Planning and Development

About the Department

The Planning and Development Department regulates all land use and development in the City and provides related ancillary services through its Program Divisions described below:

The Land Use and Planning

The Land Use and Planning Division advises and makes recommendations to the City Manager, Planning Commission and City Council regarding physical development and the implementation of the City's Comprehensive Development Plan. This division is responsible for updating long range planning documents; administering and reviewing plans and procedures for annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, parking waivers, the preservation of historic buildings, and special use permits; recommending zoning and subdivision regulation revisions; reviewing building permits and certificates of occupancy and economic hardship applications for zoning compliance; and administering the Federal Flood Insurance Program.

Community Development and Housing

This division administers the CDBG program according to Federal guidelines, reviews project funding requests and develops the operating budget in conjunction with the City Community Development/Revenue Sharing Advisory Committee, and monitors programs for contract compliance. In addition, the division also administers the City-funded Revenue Sharing Program and Home Ownership programs.

Transportation and Technical Services

The Land Use and Planning Division serves as a liaison between the City and federal, state, regional and local agencies to facilitate inter-jurisdictional cooperation and planning on issues of mutual concern. The division develops short- and long-term transportation plans in conjunction with other City departments and outside transportation agencies. The division also administers the UNICITY Bus service, which provides free bus transportation to Newark residents.

Economic Development

This division is responsible for developing and modifying long range economic development plans, monitoring the impact of City regulations on businesses, developing business incentives and recruitment programs, and producing public information materials. The division also serves as the City’s liaison to other economic development agencies and offers support to the Downtown Newark Partnership (DNP).

Parking

The Parking Division is responsible for the management, maintenance, and enforcement of municipal off-street parking facilities and services downtown and all on-street parking meters throughout Newark. The City’s Parking Ambassadors focus on improving customer service and promoting Newark as a friendly and inviting place to visit and live.

Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the International Building Codes (ICC), and related State and Municipal Codes. The division issues permits for rental units, signs, elevators, and construction. The division coordinates building permit review with other City departments. In addition, the division is responsible for State and City Fire Code compliance for new and existing construction. Additionally, this division has responsibility for managing municipal facilities maintenance and custodial services for citywide holdings.